Ben Davis Is Region Champ

Piedmont Academy’s Ben Davis captured a wrestling region title during competition held at Westfield last week.

Davis (132) led a strong performance by the Mat Cougars which also saw second place finishes by Corbin Burrell (120), Ian Boyd (126) and Nolan Cleary (285).

Tanner Coppock (170) placed third while Payden Cantera was fourth after having to forfeit a match due to injury.

“Ben wrestled a fantastic championship match against a very tough opponent,” coach Alvin Hawkes said. “He gained the win by fall during the second period. Ben and his opponent were tied in the second period 8-8 when he scored the pin.”

Piedmont’s coach also said Boyd wrestled a strong match to reach the championship. Boyd held an 11-8 lead before pinning his opponent.

Hawkes also was impressed with how Cleary performed at region.

“Nolan’s match was an excellent battle,” Hawkes said. “Nolan was down early and battled back to tie the match before falling in a close finish 14-12.”

The Piedmont wrestlers are now set for the state finals.

“I am very proud of the team’s performance at region,” Hawkes said. “The guys showed a lot of grit during the competition. We still have other goals in mind as we compete for state this weekend at the Georgia Southwestern State University Storm Dome.”